Buying a Kitchen Sink Online? Check These Things First
Buying a kitchen sink online is easy enough. The tricky part is making sure the one you order will actually work with your kitchen.
A sink can look like the right size on screen and still not suit the existing cabinet, benchtop opening or plumbing underneath.
Before you click Buy, check the measurements and specifications for the exact sink you are looking at.
1. Check the Cabinet Size
Start with the cupboard underneath the sink.
The sink needs to fit within the available space, and different models can have different minimum cabinet requirements. Manufacturer specifications can also vary significantly between sink sizes and configurations.
Before ordering, check:
- Internal cabinet width
- Available depth
- Space around the existing plumbing
- Minimum cabinet size listed by the manufacturer
Don’t assume your existing cabinet will suit every “standard” kitchen sink. Check the specifications for the exact model.
2. Measure the Existing Cut-Out
If you are replacing a sink, the benchtop cut-out is just as important as the sink’s overall size.
The outside dimensions of a sink and the opening it sits in are not necessarily the same. Manufacturers provide specific cut-out measurements or templates for individual models, and some sinks require a completely different opening to the one already in your benchtop.
Before ordering, compare:
Existing cut-out → New sink’s required cut-out
If the new sink needs a different opening, that needs to be considered before the sink arrives.
3. Check How the Sink Is Installed
Look at the mounting type before you buy.
Common options include:
- Topmount
- Undermount
- Flushmount on some models
These are installed differently and can require different cut-outs and installation arrangements. Manufacturers specify the mounting option for each model, so don’t rely on the product photo alone.
If you’re replacing an existing sink, check whether the new one uses the same installation method.
4. Check the Tap Holes
The tap setup is another easy one to overlook.
Some sinks come with a tap hole already provided. Others may have different options, including no tap hole or more than one, depending on the model.
Check:
- Number of tap holes
- Tap-hole position
- Whether your existing mixer will suit
- Whether you need a sink without a pre-drilled hole
A sink can fit the benchtop and still not work with the tap setup you already have.
5. Check the Waste and Plumbing Setup
Have a look at the waste configuration as well.
A single-bowl sink may have one waste, while a double-bowl sink may have two. The position and fittings can also differ between models. Manufacturer specifications should tell you what waste fittings are supplied and how the sink is configured.
Before ordering, check:
- Number of waste outlets
- Waste size
- Waste position
- What fittings are included
- How the existing plumbing connects underneath
This is especially important when the new sink has a different layout from the one you’re replacing.
6. Look at the Actual Sink Layout
Don’t choose a sink based only on how it looks in the product photo.
Think about how you use your kitchen.
Do you want:
One bowl or two?
A larger single bowl can suit bigger pots, while two bowls give you separate washing and rinsing space.
A drainer or no drainer?
A drainer takes up some benchtop space, but can be useful for everyday washing and drying.
Drainer on the left or right?
Some sinks are reversible, while others have a fixed layout. Check the product specifications before ordering.
Also check the actual bowl dimensions and depth rather than judging them from the photograph.
7. Check What Comes in the Box
Before placing the order, check exactly what is included.
Depending on the sink, the package may include items such as:
- Waste fittings
- Fixing clips
- Sealing materials
- Cut-out template
- Other installation components
For example, manufacturer specifications can list the supplied fixings, waste fittings and cut-out template for a particular sink model.
You don’t want to find out after delivery that something important needs to be ordered separately.
Your Kitchen Sink Checklist
Before you order, check:
☐ Cabinet size
☐ Sink dimensions
☐ Existing benchtop cut-out
☐ Mounting type
☐ Tap-hole configuration
☐ Waste fittings and position
☐ Bowl and drainer layout
☐ What is included with the sink
Most importantly, download the specification sheet and installation information for the exact model you’re buying. Manufacturer dimensions can vary between products and should be checked before installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I check before buying a kitchen sink online?
Check the cabinet size, sink dimensions, benchtop cut-out, mounting type, tap-hole configuration, waste setup and the installation requirements for the exact model.
2. Do all kitchen sinks fit standard cabinets?
No. Minimum cabinet requirements vary between sink models, so check the manufacturer’s specifications before ordering.
3. Should I check the plumbing before buying a new sink?
Yes. Check the existing waste and water connections, as well as the space underneath the sink. A different bowl or waste layout may require changes to the plumbing.
4. Can a plumber install a sink I bought online?
Yes, provided the sink is suitable for the available space and its installation and plumbing requirements can be met.
Final Thoughts
A kitchen sink can look perfect online and still be the wrong fit for your kitchen. Before ordering, check the cabinet size, cut-out, mounting type, tap holes and waste configuration, along with the plumbing space underneath.
If you’re unsure whether your new sink will work with the existing setup, Perth Local Plumbing & Gas can assess the kitchen plumbing, identify any changes that may be needed and carry out the required plumbing work before or during installation.
Taking a few minutes to check these details before the sink arrives can help avoid unexpected modifications and installation issues later.
Already chosen your new kitchen sink and need the plumbing sorted? Talk to Perth Local Plumbing & Gas.
